Why would my dishwasher stop in the middle of the cycle?

Have you ever opened your dishwasher to put stuff away and noticed that the cycle hasn’t completed?

When this happens there is usually an error code displayed to let you know what’s wrong, but not always. If there is an error code, you can look it up in your manual.  If the error code is not listed in the manual, you can Google “error codes” for your model number and check the internet.

Here is a list of common things to check if no error codes are available:

1. Blocked filter

The filter removes dirt and debris from the water that might otherwise block the drainage system. If you don’t clean the filter regularly it can get so blocked, that your dishwasher won’t clean. If the dishwasher won’t drain it will stop the cycle to allow you to fix the problem.

To fix this you need to get to the filter, so remove the lower rack. Twist the filter to remove it. You may also need to remove the filter cover; check the manual if you’re not sure. Then thoroughly clean the filter under warm running water and use a toothbrush to remove any stubborn dirt that is stuck. If it doesn’t all come off, you can soak the filter in warm soapy water and then scrub it again.

Clean the filter housing to make sure there is no debris left in there. Then you can reinstall the filter and make sure it is firmly in place. Run the cleaning cycle to make sure the problem is fixed.

2. Faulty drain hose

The drain hose removes dirty water from the interior of the dishwasher during and at the end of the cycle. If the drain hose is clogged, bent or improperly installed, water will pool at the bottom of the machine. This will cause the dishwasher to stop in the middle of the cycle and should cause an error code.

To fix this, you must pull the dishwasher out so you can get to the back of the machine. Check the drain hose to make sure there are no kinks or bends. If you don’t find anything, make sure you have some towels to catch any water that comes out of the hose, then take the hose off and check to make sure there are no clogs. You can do this by pouring water through the hose or using a wire.

3. Obstructed spray arms

The spray arms rotate and spray water on the dishes to clean them, if the holes in the spray arms are blocked or obstructed, your wash cycle won’t be able to complete the cycle.

Check the holes for any blockage. The holes can be cleaned using a piece of wire or a toothpick. If there are stubborn blockages, you can soak the spray arms before cleaning them again. Once they are clean put them back into place and make sure they spin freely.

Run a test cycle to make sure the cycle completes.

4. Faulty door latch

Since dishwashers are made to operate only when the door is closed, if the door latch becomes faulty or loose it can unlatch partway through the cycle causing the dishwasher to stop.

To figure this out when the dishwasher stops in the middle of the cycle, push on the door and see if it will restart. If it does, then you know that is the problem.

Inspect the latch for signs of damage or debris. If there is food on it, clean it. If it appears broken you can order the latch unit from RepairClinic.com. Remember to shut the power off before you replace the latch. Make sure the door is latching firmly and then restore power and run a test cycle.